The bulletin reviews the benefits of long acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with COPD and then details the safety issues for long-acting beta2 agonists (LABAs), anticholinergics and ICS individually.

The article concludes with a review of the factors to consider when making treatment choices. This includes a reminder that treatment options should be trialled in patients with COPD and discontinued if there is no benefit.

Action: Clinicians involved in the management of patients with COPD will find this bulletin useful and informative.